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Profanity In RPGs?

Started by Zachary The First, June 20, 2011, 08:52:52 AM

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Soylent Green

#15
June 20, 2011, 02:07:12 PM
Quote from: Peregrin;464967You'd also have to...you know...cut everything else out of GoT, at which point you'd just have The Chronicles of Narnia.

But isn't that the point? If all that separates Game of Thrones from Chronicles of Narnia is a couple of girl on girl scenes and the tactical use of the F-bomb, it's isn't really an adult drama.

Bear in mind Prince Caspian is pretty grim and think of all the gore you could have when the slay Aslan on the altar!
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Peregrin

#16
June 20, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
Quote from: Soylent Green;464970But isn't that the point? If all that separates Game of Thrones from Chronicles of Narnia is a couple of girl on girl scenes and the tactical use of the F-bomb, it's isn't really an adult drama.

That's all that separates a lot of adult media from children's media.
"In a way, the Lands of Dream are far more brutal than the worlds of most mainstream games. All of the games set there have a bittersweetness that I find much harder to take than the ridiculous adolescent posturing of so-called \'grittily realistic\' games. So maybe one reason I like them as a setting is because they are far more like the real world: colourful, crazy, full of strange creatures and people, eternal and yet changing, deeply beautiful and sometimes profoundly bitter."

jeff37923

#17
June 20, 2011, 02:23:48 PM
Quote from: Zachary The First;464914Being a military vet, F*** used to be a noun, adjective, verb, and everything in between, but that's obviously changed a bit.
 

This is me as well.

Profanity does not bother me when heard or used, but I recognize that it does bother some other people when in verbal or written form. As such, I try to use it as a spice and not the main ingredient. If used as the main ingredient, profanity loses its impact and usefulness.

(Caveat time. I have had a few NPCs who swear nonstop as part of their personality.)
"Meh."

Soylent Green

#18
June 20, 2011, 02:34:21 PM
Quote from: Peregrin;464972That's all that separates a lot of adult media from children's media.

No, that's not true. Take Wire, an example I made above. Beyond the drama, excitement and entertainment what the show really bring home is how dysfunctional the press and our legal, political, educational system have become. And it's not a cheap, superficial critique, it takes you step by step and shows you how you get to that point. It's gripping drama, but it's also about something and really don't think even with the language and violence toned down a kid would appreciate it.

Gamas of Thrones by contrast is just a cracking good story with knights, mad kings, children in peril and monsters behind the wall. A kid would totally get it, and there is nothing wrong with that.
New! Cyberblues City - like cyberpunk, only more mellow. Free, fully illustrated roleplaying game based on the Fudge system
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Peregrin

#19
June 20, 2011, 02:36:31 PM Last Edit: June 20, 2011, 02:40:14 PM by Peregrin
I said a lot, not all, which is what makes shows like the Wire so special.  I'm just saying GoT is par for the course, and so complaining about it specifically seems odd when there are tons of other movies and shows we could say the same thing about.
"In a way, the Lands of Dream are far more brutal than the worlds of most mainstream games. All of the games set there have a bittersweetness that I find much harder to take than the ridiculous adolescent posturing of so-called \'grittily realistic\' games. So maybe one reason I like them as a setting is because they are far more like the real world: colourful, crazy, full of strange creatures and people, eternal and yet changing, deeply beautiful and sometimes profoundly bitter."

Zachary The First

#20
June 20, 2011, 03:15:00 PM
To reiterate, I generally don't have an issue with profanity at the game table of others, but between a gaming group of mixed ages and having kids around, I've definitely curtailed it a bit for our sessions.
 
Like Jeff, I've had a few NPCs who've sworn quite a bit over the years.
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#21
June 20, 2011, 03:22:00 PM
Star Wars + Profanity = Comedy

Ian Warner

#22
June 20, 2011, 03:31:21 PM
Quote from: TristramEvans;464951That said, I like to buy game books written by people who at least make an attempt at being professional. Trying to be "edgy" in an RPG book is like painting racing stripes on your pocket protector.

Well I'm not sure I agree here. I don't think swearing in book text is supposed to be "edgy" I think it's supposed to be informal and conversational. Like the designer is sitting down and explaining his/her game. I prefer that approach to anything "professional" myself.
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danbuter

#23
June 20, 2011, 03:39:56 PM
If you can't say something without swearing, maybe you shouldn't say it.
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Zachary The First

#24
June 20, 2011, 04:30:35 PM
Quote from: Ian Warner;464983Well I'm not sure I agree here. I don't think swearing in book text is supposed to be "edgy" I think it's supposed to be informal and conversational. Like the designer is sitting down and explaining his/her game. I prefer that approach to anything "professional" myself.

That could be. Some games do a very good job of hitting that more textbook flavor, and some are good at the "informal chat" variety.
 
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#25
June 20, 2011, 05:14:43 PM
Quote from: JDCorley;464982Star Wars + Profanity = Comedy

Hell yes. My wife is running around playing Lego Star Wars right now, hacking people to piece with Qi-gon and taking their money. She is shouting, "QUINGO GOTTA EAT, MOTHERFUCKERS" sporadically.

Peregrin

#26
June 20, 2011, 05:16:24 PM
I just started wondering what Star Wars would look like if it were directed by Quintin Tarantino.
"In a way, the Lands of Dream are far more brutal than the worlds of most mainstream games. All of the games set there have a bittersweetness that I find much harder to take than the ridiculous adolescent posturing of so-called \'grittily realistic\' games. So maybe one reason I like them as a setting is because they are far more like the real world: colourful, crazy, full of strange creatures and people, eternal and yet changing, deeply beautiful and sometimes profoundly bitter."

Ian Warner

#27
June 20, 2011, 05:45:54 PM
Directing Editor of Kittiwake Classics

shalvayez

#28
June 20, 2011, 06:45:28 PM
Quote from: Peregrin;464954Who the fuck cares?

 I concur.
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flyingmice

#29
June 20, 2011, 08:28:03 PM
Quote from: Peregrin;464954Who the fuck cares?

Isn't that the point of this thread, to find out who cares? :D

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